‘Unlucky’ Thorpe in hospital with serious infection

SWIMMING: Ian Thorpe's manager says Australia’s greatest Olympian was unlucky
to have contracted a serious infection that's laid him up in hospital.

Thorpe is receiving treatment in a Sydney hospital for the infection contracted
after undergoing a series of surgeries on his shoulder at a hospital near his
home in the Swiss town of Ronco Sopra Ascona.

"He's under very good supervision and he's battling and he's
unlucky," Mr Erskine said.

"How long it's going to take to clear up, I don't know. He's battling it
out in hospital ... he's a sick boy."

Erskine said
Thorpe is not in intensive care but remains sick. Considering his serious condition
he is in good spirits and has been visited by family and friends.

The
swimmer who won five gold, three silver and 1 bronze from the Sydney 2000 and
Athens 2004 Olympics attempted a comeback ahead of the London 2012. His manager has said it is unlikely that
the former world champion and world record holder will ever swim competitively
again.

Thorpe's father revealed in February the Olympian was battling depression.

He sought help early this year after being found disoriented near his parents'
Sydney home after taking a combination of antidepressants and medication for a
shoulder injury.

Thorpe was sent for a medical assessment at Bankstown Hospital and then entered
a rehabilitation program.

The Olympic and swimming fraternities all around the world are wishing Thorpe a
speedy recovery.

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